Places to Visit in Ooty

Ooty, or Udagamangalam is a popular renowned tourist spot in the southern part of India. Popular for its tea plantations, it draws many tourists with its unforgettable experience and good vibes each year. For travelers, it has many things worth exploring: sightseeing spots, cool weather, a soothing environment, and mesmerizing meadows. Together, these aspects make Ooty the queen of hill stations.

If you have chosen to visit Ooty to spend your holidays, you can look forward to a refreshing experience. With the overwhelming number of choices that it has, you may find it challenging to decide on the places to visit. Including the below-mentioned destinations on your travel list will make your visit to Ooty both pleasant and memorable.

1. Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Perhaps you have already seen this destination in many movies. For instance, A Passage to India by David Lean was shot at this destination. Another movie, Dil Se, which features the song Chaiyya Chaiyya, was also shot here.

The railway route stretches for up to 46 kilometers and is popular for a beautiful toy train journey between Mettupalayam and Ooty. On the toy train journey, which lasts for about 5 hours, you can see beautiful scenery involving bridges, curves, and tunnels. Don’t forget to take the side seat for the best view of the landscape.

The entry fee for a one-way toy train ride is INR 142 for first class and INR 24 for second class.

• Ooty Lake

Are you a nature lover? Do you like paddle boating? If yes, Ooty Lake is a must-visit destination for you when you come to the hill station for a vacation. This 2.5-kilometer-long lake is rich with scenic beauty that can captivate the heart of anyone who admires the beauty of nature.

The Ooty lake remains open daily between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm. If you have watched the movie “Maine Pyar Kiya,” in which Salman Khan played a lead role, you’d remember the song “Dil Deewana.” It was shot on Ooty Lake. You can enter the lake by paying a nominal fee of INR 5.00. Whether you visit Ooty with friends or family members, do not forget to stop by the beautiful Ooty Lake for a memorable experience.

        3.Botanical Garden

 A horticulturist’s delight, Ooty Botanical Garden has trees and flowers of different varieties. In this garden, you will find 650 species of distinct flowering plants. The garden is spread over an area of 22 hectares.

The hallmark feature of the garden is its fossil tree which is believed to exist for 20 million years. Another noteworthy feature of the garden is the settlement of the Toda tribe, which you can spot at its top.

The garden remains open for public visits daily between 8:30 am, and 6:30 am. For a single person, the entry fee is INR 20.

• Fernhill Palace

If you are interested in history, Fernhill Palace is a must-visit destination for you. Ever since the time it was built for the first time in 1844, it has been drawing the attention of people. At present, it represents the colonial era. It speaks volumes for the art that existed in the bygone era.

4.Fernhill Palace

If you are interested in history, Fernhill Palace is a must-visit destination for you. Ever since the time it was built for the first time in 1844, it has been drawing the attention of people. At present, it represents the colonial era. It speaks volumes for the art that existed in the bygone era.

     5.Stone House

Ever heard of Government Arts college in Ooty? Stone House is the other name for it. It came into being in 1822 – the year in which John Sullivan built it. At Stone House, you can see relics and amazing architecture.

 6. Pykara Waterfall

 At a distance of 20 kilometers from Ooty lies a picnic spot, namely Pykara Waterfall. Surrounded by pine trees, the waterfall is an amazing picnic spot. It also has a beautiful lake which will give you a refreshing feel if you admire the beauty of nature

Viewing the stunning landscape of Pykara Waterfall aside, you can also enjoy speedboat rides or stroll along the lake. The romantic setting of the waterfall makes it an ideal destination for youngsters and newly-wed couples.

7. Avalanche Lake

Do you wish to get mesmerized by the real feel of the beauty of nature? If yes, Avalanche Lake, which is 28 kilometers away from Ooty, is a must-visit place for you. As the name of the lake suggests, it came into being due to an Avalanche that took place at some point in time in the 1800s.

After arriving at this spot, the first thing you’d want to do is explore the surroundings of the lake. It has rich flora and fauna, which would captivate your heart and find if you are an animal or a plant lover. It is also an ideal spot for fishing. Besides, you can also indulge in activities like camping, trekking, rafting, and picnicking.

8. Doddabetta Peak

If you know of Nilgiris, you’d certainly want to see its highest peak, which lies at the height of 2623 meters. Popular by the name of Doddabetta Peak, it is the leading spot for trekkers near Ooty. The location of Doddabetta Peak is a strategic one between the Eastern and the Western Ghats at a distance of 10 km from Ooty.

Rich flora and fauna constitute the charm of the peak. It also has two telescopes and a telescope house at its peak. The view at the top of the peak is stunning, which can thrill any nature lover. All these features make Doddabetta Peak an ideal tourist spot, no matter whether you come here alone or with companions.

9. Kamraj Sagar Dam

If you wish to spend some relaxing moments away from the hustle and bustle of the other tourist spots in Ooty, Kamraj Sagar Dam is the ideal destination for it. To begin with, it has a peaceful environment, and it offers exciting possibilities for fishing and bird watching. Sandynallah Reservoir is the other name for Kamraj Sagar Dam. Though it is a popular venue for researchers, couples and youngsters also come to this place for picnicking. It is just 10 kilometers away from Udagamangalam, which makes it easily accessible to visitors.

10. Tea Museum

 If you are fond of tea, Tea Museum, which lies beside Dodabetta Tea Factory, is where you want to be to feel your genuine love for tea. It is located close to Nilgiri Mountains amid tea plantations spanning an area of 1 acre of land.

The museum has three distinct sections that present a view of the origins and history of tea in the Nilgiri region. At the souvenir shop, you can buy some popular items for tea lovers. These include plates, souvenir cups, and tea leaves.

Final thoughts

 With the above tourist spots and several others to explore, Ooty offers exciting and endless possibilities for tourists of all ages and interests. No doubt, Ooty has many places worth exploring. But adding the abovementioned ones to your travel list will help maximize your fun element during your stay in the hill station.

In order to make your travel safe, affordable and comfortable, we recommend you to use zingbus – bus ticket booking for the best travel experience.